FREEPORT — Freeport Country Club Golf Pro Brian Jensen is new to the gig.

But even he recognizes both Cullen Barkau and Nicky Arn are favorites to repeat at this year’s 34th Annual Stephenson Cup.

But with this year’s turnout, there’s a bigger field for both.

“This is my first year with the event and we’ve got over 40 players,” Jensen said. “So the attendance is up.

“Cullen Barkau is going to be back. He’s been playing golf year round and will try to once again play competitively and should be in the running again.”

Barkau, who will be a senior for the Aquin golf team this fall, played in the U.S. Junior Amateur qualifier in Rockford in early July and also participated in golf tournaments in Chicago and the Quad Cities. He also was medalist in last year’s IHSA Regional and has placed 36th and 23rd at state the last two prep seasons.

He will look to defend his title just a couple of weeks before beginning the prep season.

Course conditions for the weekend appear to be favorable.

“The greens are going to be fast and it looks like the weather is going to be good, so we’re looking forward to it,” Jensen said.

The course could still be difficult for some.

“Scoring is going to be fun for me to see,” Jensen said. “The course conditions could make it tough enough, though, that a 74 is a good score for 18 holes.